For colour use Fuji 200 - no benefit
in using a slower film but some decline in quality at 400 or above. Kodak
is simply not in the same league any more - unless of course you want flat
washed out colour or grossly exagerated colour. The Fuji gives you wonderfully
vibrant yet absolutely natural colour.
For black and white you have a choice.
Ilford XP2 gives superb results with beautiful tones. Ilford HP5 - process
paid for less than ten pounds will delight you with its graphic qualities
- but beware of Ilford's variable print quality - return them if not fully
satisfied. Forget any other makes of film unless
you want special effects.
Processing - use only processors who
use digital printers. digital printers also give index prints which are useful.
Fuji printers and paper are the best. XP2 is processed as a colour film and
the Fuji digital lab produces crisp black and white prints.
In the UK some branches of Boots do an
excellent 1 hour service on Fuji digital printers but if you want the cheaper
1 or 3 day option, make sure they do it there and don't send it away where
there may not be a digital printer
Never use any of kodak's
own labs in the UK
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